Fitbit's Evolution: Best Trackers in Google's Era

Despite being acquired by Google five years ago, Fitbit remains one of the most recognizable names in the fitness tracking industry. While its products aren't designed with hardcore athletes, Fitbit makes excellent devices for tracking overall activity as well as monitoring certain health and wellness metrics, like EKGs and blood oxygen levels.

However, the brand is in a transitional period. The Googlefication of Fitbit continues, with significant changes to account management and product lines. While some legacy community features have been sunset, Google's investment in new hardware like the Pixel Watch 4 suggests a continued commitment to the wearable space.

The shift from the Fitbit of old to its future under Google has been a complex journey. A particularly messy year in 2023 saw multiple server outages and the controversial decision to sunset legacy community features, including challenges.

Account management is also changing fundamentally. The Fitbit-to-Google account migration started in 2023 and is required for new devices like the Fitbit Charge 6 and Google Pixel Watch 4. By February 2026, all Fitbit accounts will require a Google login.

Leadership has also shifted. In 2024, much of Fitbit's leadership, including co-founders James Park and Eric Friedman, left the company. Despite these changes, Google continues to invest in the ecosystem, evidenced by a redesigned app and the upcoming AI-powered health coach.

The Google Pixel Watch 4 stands out as the best Fitbit smartwatch available. Although it doesn't have "Fitbit" in its title, it falls under the same umbrella due to Google's acquisition. It is a significant update over its predecessors, featuring a handsome domed display and thinner bezels that increase screen real estate.

Hardware upgrades are notable. The watch's updated design allows for swapping out the display or battery, and testing revealed between 36 and 42 hours of battery life, an improvement from the 32 hours on the Pixel Watch 3. Charging speed has also increased, taking the watch from 14% to 97% in just 44 minutes using the new proprietary charger.

Software features enhance the experience. Running Wear OS 6, the watch introduces a complete redesign with Material 3 Expressive. Key features include:

• Raise-to-Talk for accessing the smart assistant without saying "Hey Google"
• AI features like Notification Cooldown and Smart Replies
• Automatic exercise tracking for walks, runs, and cycling sessions
• Satellite SOS capability on LTE models for emergency situations

While its dual-band GPS is better than the Pixel Watch 3, it still trails Apple's pricier Watch Ultra 3. However, for Android users, the Pixel Watch 4's mix of hardware and features makes it a top contender.

For those seeking a more traditional fitness tracker, the Fitbit Inspire 3 is the best budget option. Priced at $99.95, this minimalist fitness band delivers notifications and tracks activity on a bright OLED screen. It serves as a throwback to classic Fitbits for users who only want the basics.

The Inspire 3 lacks built-in GPS, contactless payments, or digital assistants, but compensates with Fitbit's advanced sleep tracking, stress management features, and irregular heart rate notifications. The color OLED display is a significant upgrade from the Inspire 2's monochrome screen, and the device offers 10 days of battery life (though this drops to two or three days with the always-on display enabled).

Another strong contender is the Fitbit Charge 6, priced at $159.95. This higher-end fitness band competes with more expensive smartwatches, featuring a color OLED screen, EKG and EDA sensors, built-in GPS, and NFC payments. It is the only FDA-cleared EKG wearable available for under $200.

The Charge 6 introduces an improved heart rate algorithm and Bluetooth compatibility with certain gym equipment. It also adds apps like Google Maps, Google Wallet, and YouTube Music. While YouTube Music requires a separate subscription, the device's haptic button is a reliable improvement over the previous inductive groove.

Fitbit also offers devices for younger users. The Fitbit Ace LTE ($179.99) is a smartwatch designed for children, featuring step-activated games to motivate movement. It offers calling, messaging, and location sharing via a monthly data plan. The watch tracks "active minutes" rather than rigorous health stats, unlocking games and customizations for the child's avatar.

Looking ahead, Fitbit's head of product, Andy Abramson, announced that new Fitbit hardware will roll out in 2026. This will coincide with the full launch of the company's new AI health coach, currently in beta for Android users subscribed to Fitbit Premium ($9.99/month). While details on the specific hardware remain scarce, the commitment to new products indicates Google's ongoing investment in the Fitbit ecosystem.

"New Fitbit hardware" would roll out in 2026 alongside the full launch of the company's new AI health coach.

Fitbit's journey under Google is marked by both challenges and innovation. While the mandatory account migration and removal of legacy features have frustrated some long-time users, the hardware advancements in devices like the Pixel Watch 4 demonstrate a clear path forward.

For consumers, the choice depends on needs and budget. The Pixel Watch 4 offers the most comprehensive smartwatch experience, while the Charge 6 and Inspire 3 provide robust fitness tracking at different price points. With new hardware promised for 2026, the Fitbit brand remains a relevant player in the wearable technology market.